Disc-Throwing Target Game

ABSTRACT

A disc-throwing target game with multiple scoring options consists of four poles, four objects and a FRISBEE™ disc that teams use to compete against each other in an attempt to score the most points. The present invention provides an opportunity for defenders to use the skills of reaction time and catching against offensive opponents featuring various levels of disc accuracy and throwing power. The objects are placed on top of the poles where they can be knocked off if a player is skilled enough to strike one or both of these poles after throwing the disc. If the thrower is even more skilled, he or she can earn multiple points for sailing the disc through the very narrow space allotted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates primarily to four poles, four objects anda flying FRISBEE™ disc along with playing techniques associated withthese elements, particularly with unique methods of integrating skilland fitness for a wide variety of participants.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Throwing a disc has been a mainstay in American yards, parks and fieldsfor many years. Tossing the FRISBEE™ from one person to another in anopen environment has become part of our outdoor culture. This popularityhas precipitated a variety of offshoots to the basic game. Some take onthe characteristics of sports such as football, golf or basketball. Manyof these games involve a relatively large amount of participants inlarge fixed areas of play such as soccer or football fields. This makesit difficult for a small grouping of people to get together and engagein the activity, especially if they are limited to a small area. Also,even if a large field is available, this group may still find theiractivity limited by the fact that others using the area for their ownuse may be in the way and even inadvertently creating dangerousconditions.

While the large team games are limited in these ways, other-disc gamesinvolve modified versions of the basic pass-and-catch original. Thisoriginal activity is indeed a classic, but it does not suit those thatwant to compete or exercise additional skills or challenges. Themodified versions do not come to the level of a real competition, buttypically serve as an outing of pass-and-catch with a bit of flair,whether it is quick passes to see who drops the disc first or taking astep backwards after each pass to see who drops the disc first. Whilethat certainly can be fin, it again does not serve those looking forunique competition where multiple skills and attributes are needed.

Moreover, not all of these games require both disc accuracy and throwingpower. In this age of unique sport, people crave competition where thereis an element of unpredictability and the ability to delegate teammembers to fit their individual skill levels. People want a challenge.Even the use of traditional goals have become commonplace to the pointwhere the unique aspects have waned. At the same time, one must considerthat not everybody is a stereotypical athlete. The offshoots thatutilize the FRISBEE™ or like discs do not integrate an apparatus thatallows people of varying fitness levels—whether they be quick and limberor slow but skilled to throw a disc—to work together as a team in orderto compete. This can alienate those that may not be able to run due tolack of fitness or medical reasons. These individuals may be able tothrow a disc well, but are almost automatically excluded or at leastmarkedly limited in participating in some of the other team games thatborrow from the characteristics of sports such as basketball, footballand soccer.

Due to these many issues, there is a need for such an all-inclusiveskill game. Too often an individual who may not be able to sprint andrun becomes alienated from those who can perform these types ofactivities and want to compete outdoors. At the same time, there is theneed for an outdoor team game that includes both throwing skill and thephysical aspects of running, diving, catching and reaction time whiletaking into account those confined to a space much smaller than that ofa field or large park. The present invention meets these needs. It alsoshould be noted that there are no other games that can match the varietyof rules, scoring options, or individual elements that make up thepresent invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,734 issued to Frank on Feb. 15, 1983, is a team gamewhere opposing players utilize running and passing ability to ultimatelytoss the disc into various goals positioned on two sides of the field.Unlike the present invention, a singular goal apparatus is the onlymethod to score points so that the skill element related to scoring islimited to that effect. In addition, unlike the present invention, itdoes not afford a defender the opportunity to stop the points from beingawarded after the target is struck.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,126,245 issued to Darby on Aug. 9, 1938, is a team gamewhere opposing players attempt to score points by tossing the disc intoa basket-like container. Unlike the present invention, this basket isthe only way to score points and does not require the skill of passingthe disc through two relatively small, upright spaces just slightlywider than the width of the disc itself, hitting an even smaller targetfor additional points, nor does it afford a defender the opportunity tostop the points from being awarded after the target is struck.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,466 issued to Searles Dec. 9, 2003, is a game whereplayers attempt to score points by tossing the disc into a goal-likeapparatus and netting. Unlike the present invention, this goal consistsof at least two different zones for which the disc can land and does notrequire the offensive skill of earning points by tossing a disc througha width just slightly wider than the disc itself, nor does it afford adefender the opportunity to stop the points from being awarded after thetarget is struck.

None of these games can match the unique aspects of the presentinvention. The games with goals provide one scoring option for theplayers. These participants, incidentally, must either possess somedegree of physical ability or be relegated to merely throwing the discwithout exerting much energy. In short, the options related to fitnessand skill for the individual players is limited by the rules. Outdoorteam enthusiasts with limited space and personnel need a game that notonly matches, but combines, all the unique physical and skill abilitiesof those that want to compete with and against each other.

The present invention satisfies this need by using an array of poles toallow participants a chance at scoring multiple points through sheerskill. At the same time, these poles are made to hold objects that canbe knocked off for points as well. But the points for knocking them downare not guaranteed because an athlete can make a play and attempt tocatch these objects before they hit the ground. This creates a uniqueoutdoor game featuring separate offensive and defensive players who mustwork together to win. In addition, the present invention can be playedwith two teams of two players, or as a one-on-one competition. Moreover,physical contact between players that can occur in many of the otheroutdoor games is virtually non-existent in the present invention basedon the layout of the elements and rules.

Therefore, a need has been established for a novel-disc throwing gamefeaturing sets of poles and smaller skill objects to be used in arelatively small area and allowing people with varying levels of skilland fitness to work together in competition against an opposing team.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION I. The Parts

There are four poles that have the ability to be placed upright in theground. Each pole stands at a markedly taller height compared to itsmuch lesser width. There also are four objects that can rest on the highend of the poles. These objects are capable of matching the width of thepoles. The disc has a circumference of 1′.

II. Mode of Play

The team aspect of the present invention can include two to fourplayers, although it also can be used by a sole individual for skill. Inthe team game, two poles are placed in the ground and spaced slightlywider than the width of a standard FRISBEE™. This equates to about 12-14inches. At some predetermined distance away, the other set of two polesare placed in the ground in the same manner. The individual objects areplaced on top of each pole. After setting up, the teams take turnsthrowing the disc as the competition begins.

The primary goal of the game is to be the first team to score 15 points.A team can score two points if a player can throw the disc between thepoles of the opposing team without touching anything. A team scores onepoint for each time that a player hits a pole with the disc, causing theobject to fall off and hit the ground. Meanwhile, opposing players canplay defense by attempting to catch the object before it hits theground. This element causes an additional strategy for the disc throwerbecause the faster he or she can sail the disc, the less likely that thedefender will be able to react and catch the falling object in time. Inthe instance where the object is caught, no points are awarded as theplayer will have successfully defended his or her side of the field.Incidentally, if a player accidentally causes one of his own objects tohit the ground, then points are awarded to the opposing team. At thesame time, no points are awarded if the disc touches the ground beforehitting the poles or sails above the poles. While the goal is to reach15 points, the teams switch sides when one reaches eight points. A finalelement of the game is that a team must win by two points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the pole (10) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an object (15) of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the poles (10) and objects (15) of the present inventionpositioned to play the game.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the present invention under game conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) I. The Parts

In FIG. 1 we see a view of the target (10) for the present invention.The pole (10) has a much taller height than its width. The pole (10) hastwo ends that make it capable of both fitting into the ground andbalancing an object. All four poles possess the same dimensions anddesign character.

In FIG. 2 we see a side view of the object (15). This element of thepresent invention has a height and width making it easy to be balancedon top of the pole (10) as described in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 3 we see a side view of the poles (10) for the present inventionthat are stood upright from the ground. At the top of the poles, we seethe objects (15) of the present invention resting on top.

In FIG. 4 we see a diagram that demonstrates the method of using thepresent invention. The method consists of steps for providing each teamof players with two poles (10) and two objects (15). In this diagram, wesee that each set of two poles (10) are positioned at opposite ends ofthe playing area. At the same time, we also see that poles encompassingeach individual set are positioned relatively close to each other whilethe objects (15) of the present invention rest on top. Near the ends ofthe diagram, we see designated spots (30) where a person can throw thedisc (45). If it is a team game with four players, there will be twoplayers standing at designated spots (30) near their poles (10) whileopposing players do the same at their end of the field of play (40).Line 60 in FIG. 4 moving between the two poles (10) shows how a playercan throw the disc through these poles to earn two points. The line 70moving into a pole of the present invention as seen in FIG. 4 shows howa player can strike the pole (10) in an attempt to knock off the object(15). The diagram also demonstrates how both poles (10) can be struck byan accurate throw of the disc (45) as seen with line 75 of FIG. 4,causing two objects (15) to fall. In addition, the diagram also showsline 90 representing a throw that misses all poles in FIG. 4. When apole (10) is struck by the disc (45), the object (15) that had beenresting on top of its respective pole (10) will be jarred loose andultimately fall toward the ground shown by line 120 of FIG. 4. As theobject (15) is falling, it provides the defensive player an opportunityto catch the object (15) before it hits the ground. Line 130 of FIG. 4details the scenario when a disc lands before reaching its respectivepole (10) area.

II. The Mode of Play

The field of play will be set up by measuring the desired distancebetween the two opposing sides. The makeup of the terrain isinconsequential due to the attributes of the present invention. Thereare two teams, and each team is afforded two poles (10) and two objects(15). Each set of poles are placed in the ground in a vertical fashion,set apart by a width of only a small area larger than that of thecircumference of a disc (45). A person will then settle an individualobject on top of each pole. Each team will then position its players inthe designated spots (30), which mark the vicinity of the field of play(40) where the disc throwers and their teammates stand near their ownrespective poles (10). Each team's throwers can take turns attempting tothrow the disc (45).

The thrower earns two points if he or she can throw the disc (45)between the poles (10). Throwers earn one point if they can strike thepole with the disc (45), causing the object (15) to fall to the ground.

When the disc (45) strikes a pole (10) causing an object (15) to beknocked off of the top of the pole (10), the players on the non-throwingteam can move in an effort to catch the falling object (15). Based onthis aspect, it causes the thrower to combine target accuracy with theadditional skill of speed and power in relation to throwing the disc(45) because the harder and quicker an object (15) falls as a result ofthe disc (45) striking a pole (15) can result in less reaction time andquicker movements by the non-throwing team as they attempt to catch anyfalling object (15) that may be coming their way.

In traditional disc-throwing games, a major requirement involvescatching and passing the disc. Some offshoots have involved goals orbaskets. But by incorporating offensive and defensive players to thechallenges of varying levels of accuracy, reaction, catching andthrowing, the present invention is a more challenging and unique game.In addition, the multiple methods of scoring and defense in relation tothe design of the poles (10), objects (15) and dimensions of the disc(45) creates an opportunity for players with different skill and fitnesslevels to work together in an effort to reach 15 points before theiropponents.

Primarily, the present invention is intended to be a disc-throwingtarget apparatus with multiple scoring options containing objects andstructure that uniquely combine skill, reactive ability and fitness intoteam play. In an alternative embodiment to team play, the presentinvention also can involve two players as opposed to four. This meansthat one individual would stand at the designated spot (30) near his orher poles (15) while the opposing individual would stand at his or herdesignated spot (30) near his or her own poles (15).

A typical team game could go as follows: Team A, comprised of two males,decides to engage in an outdoor sporting contest in their backyard withTeam B, which is comprised of a male and a female. Wishing to use thepresent invention, the teams measure a distance of about 40′ althoughthat is merely a suggestion for the field of play (40). Team A thenproceeds to place a pole (10) from the present invention into theground. His counterpart from Team B does the same at his end of theplaying area. The team members then measure out a distance just slightlywider than the width of the disc (45) and place their respective secondpoles (10) into the ground. This is then followed by each player restingan object (15) of the present invention on top of each pole.

With the present invention's equipment set up, the members of Team Aposition themselves at their designated spot (30) near their two poles(10). Team B does likewise as they stand at their designated spot (30)near their two poles. Team A has two males, one (A1) who has a leginjury that prevents him from exerting himself. The second male in TeamA (A2) is adequately fit. Due to these circumstances, the members ofTeam A decide that A1 will primarily use his throwing skills to help theteam, while A2 will play primarily defense and take the lead inattempting to catch any falling objects (15), even if it means diving.Meanwhile, Team B is comprised of a male (B1) and female (B2) who areboth in prime condition. These team members choose a strategy byelecting to take turns playing offense and defense.

Perhaps the teams flip a coin and Team A is selected to throw first. A1clutches the disc (45) and stares down toward the narrow gap between theopposing team's poles (10). B2 stands ready in case an object (15) isshaken loose. Suddenly, A1 throws the disc (45) toward the pole (10) asB2 and her teammate, B1, stand at their designated spots (30).

However, the disc (45) was thrown at a high velocity but with not enoughair so it hits the ground about 4′ shy of the pole. In FIG. 4, thisscenario is seen in line 130. No points are awarded. Now it is B1's turnto throw toward the opposite end of the field of play (40). B1, standingat his designated spot (30), uses a backhanded throw and the disc (45)sails toward the poles as A2 and A1 watch. B1's throw is accurate enoughto strike a pole (10) but his toss was not very forceful, which gave A2sufficient reaction time to assess the situation. After the pole (10) isstruck, the object (15) is dislodged from its resting place and beginsto fall toward the ground. A2 makes a diving catch of the object (15).No points are awarded.

Now it is A1's turn to throw. A1 also elects to utilize a backhandedthrow that causes the disc (45) to sail very slowly. In fact, the disc(45) is thrown so slowly that B2 has plenty of time to watch and preparefor her move in case a pole (10) is struck and an object (15) falls.However, the disc (45) sails right between the poles as shown in line 60of FIG. 4 as B2 gets a close-up view. Two points are awarded to Team A.Note that even if B2 had caught the disc (45), the points would stillhave been awarded. After the score, B2 takes the disc (45) and elects tothrow the next turn. Her throw makes a sharp beeline toward the leftpole (10) causing the object (15) to fall to the ground while A2 isforced to watch helplessly from a few feet away since he could not reactand move in time. This scenario is demonstrated in line 70 and 120 ofFIG. 4. One point is awarded to team B. However, as A2 tried but failedto react in time to the fallen object (15), he accidentally brushedagainst the other pole, causing that pole's object to fall and hit theground. One more point is added to team B's tally.

Now the game is really tight. A1 realizes that despite his injury, hemay have to take control by using sheer accuracy and throwing power. A1throws the disc (45) at a high velocity, causing the disc (45) to sailtoward the center of the poles while B1 must react. But at the lastsecond, the disc (45) curves to the left and nips a pole, and thenbounces in the opposite direction, nicking the other pole before sailingthrough. Both objects begin to fall as B1 and B2 must react. However, B1and B2 become confused as to which object to go for, and in fact evenbobbles one of them, as both end up dropping to the ground. Two pointsare awarded to team A for each object to hit the ground. Note that theydid not earn points for the disc (45) sailing through the poles becauseit touched the poles. This scenario is demonstrated in (75) of FIG. 4.

This back and forth game goes on until the score ultimately becomes 14to 14. Although the rules agreed upon by the players dictate that thefirst to reach 15 wins, they also agreed that a team must win by twopoints. Thus, the teams know that strategy is now important. Do they gofor one point or play for all the marbles and attempt to earn two pointsby either sailing the disc (45) through, which is difficult, or attemptto knock off both objects with one shot? A1 decided to play it safe andthrows the disc (45) toward the left pole. The disc (45) lightly smacksthe pole (10) and the object falls. But B2 manages to properly react andmake the catch to keep the score tied. B1 is now throwing and he electsto go for it all. But he throws too hard and the disc (45) sails in thevicinity of between the poles (10) but way above the objects. No pointsare awarded and A1 gets another shot. This time, A1 knows not to play itsafe. He takes a breath and throws the disc (45) toward the poles. Hemakes a perfect shot and the disc (45) sails right between the poleswithout touching anything but air. Team A wins 16 to 14.

The previous description of how the present invention could be usedclearly articulates how small teams of vastly different people can eachcompete in a relatively confined outdoor environment in a competitionwhere defensive prowess, reaction time and offensive accuracy are valuedequally. The example of the present invention above also can bevirtually the same but with only two players on opposite ends of thefield of play (40). This makes the present invention adaptable to notonly the size limitations but also the number of people wanting to beinvolved.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to thesole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A method for playing a game, comprising: setting up poles in avertical fashion; settling an object on top of each of the poles; andthrowing a disc.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said setting up polesin a vertical fashion is done with four poles.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising dividing players into two teams or at least twoopposing sides of two total players.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of diving the poles between two teams or at leasttwo opposing sides of two total players.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising positioning a disc thrower at a predetermined spot.6. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning a disc throwerat a predetermined spot for a first team, and positioning a disc throwerat a predetermined spot for a second team.
 7. The method of claim 6,further comprising alternating throws of the disc between the firstteam's disc thrower and the second team's disc thrower.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said throwing a disc is done to throw the disc betweenthe poles to score points.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein saidthrowing a disc is done to throw the disc between the poles to score twopoints.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said throwing a disc is doneto strike one of the poles with the disc.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein said throwing a disc is done to strike one of the poles with thedisc to score one point if the object falls off the pole that has beenstricken.
 12. A method for playing a game, comprising: Creating a firstteam and a second team; Placing two players on the first team and twoplayers on the second team; Choosing a first player from the first teamto throw a disc toward two poles of the second team; Choosing a firstplayer from the second team to throw a disc toward two poles of thefirst team; Awarding two points to the first team if the disc goesbetween the two poles of the second team; Awarding two points to thesecond team if the disc goes between the two poles of the first team;Awarding one point to the first team if the disc strikes one of the twopoles of the second team and causes an object positioned on one of thetwo poles of the second team to fall to the ground; Awarding one pointto the second team if the disc strikes one of the two poles of the firstteam and causes an object positioned on one of the two poles of thefirst team to fall to the ground; Choosing a second player from thesecond team to catch the object positioned on one of the two poles ofthe second team if the disc thrown by the first player of the first teamstrikes one of the two poles of the second team; and Choosing a secondplayer from the first team to catch the object positioned on one of thetwo poles of the first team if the disc thrown by the first player ofthe second team strikes one of the two poles of the first team.